Savannah Guthrie’s sudden exit during ‘Today’ show leaves viewers puzzled
3 min read
Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images
Savannah Guthrie shocked viewers when she walked off stage while co-hosting the Today show live on air. Following the news that her COVID-19 test results were positive, the 51-year-old anchor left her chair around 7:30 this morning during the early morning broadcast and amid co-host-Hoda Kotb’s ongoing absence. Sheinelle Jones, her co-host on Today, confirmed the reason she abruptly left after 8 o’clock. Jones, 44, told viewers that it has been an interesting morning. Savannah left early, not feeling well, so she took a Covid test. The test was positive. According to Jones, as soon as we learned of the news, she rushed home to rest.
Savannah Guthrie gets third case of COVID, has to go home 20 minutes into hosting Today show when positive test results come in. (Video: NBC) pic.twitter.com/gC9ubA8Fez
— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) February 28, 2023
We love you, Savannah, and we wish you a speedy recovery. She previously tested positive for COVID twice—once in January, and again in May of last year, despite being vaccinated against the virus. Her co-anchors at the time told her that she just felt like she had a little cold and planned to get some rest, read, and work on organization projects during her isolation days in May of last year. Jones did not address Kotb’s week-long absence or her cryptic posts on social media, which have fans concerned. The 58-year-old co-anchor hasn’t responded to any comments or questions about her absence, nor has she indicated when she will return.
While Hoda Kotb Is Absent From Today’s Live Broadcast, Savannah Guthrie Leaves The Show Early
During the broadcast of the “Today” show Tuesday, Savannah Guthrie fled amid the absence of co-anchor Hoda Kotb. For Guthrie, 51, hosting the NBC morning show was business as usual when she began at 7 am ET, however, when she failed to return after a commercial break around 7:30, viewers became concerned. A health update was then provided by 3rd Hour co-host Sheinelle Jones just before 9 a.m. ET. We had a very interesting morning. Savannah left early, as we mentioned. In an interview with Al Roker and Carson Daly, Jones, 44, explained that she was feeling unwell and took a COVID test, which returned a positive result. Guthrie rushed home to rest as soon as the test results were announced, Jones said. Our love goes out to you, Savannah. She concluded by wishing you a speedy recovery. Having contracted COVID-19 in January 2022 and May 2022, this is Guthrie’s third battle with the virus.
Since she gave up Instagram for Lent, she did not post any updates on social media Tuesday. Savannah Guthrie’s return date or who will take her place while she is away were not specified by the “Today” hosts. As a result of Savannah Guthrie illness, both anchors are absent. Since more than a week ago, Kotb, 58, has been off the air from both “Today” and Today with Hoda and Jenna. The last time she appeared on live television was on Friday, February 17. Fans, especially those who have been following Kotb’s inspirational Instagram posts over the last week, have expressed concern for her unusually long absence, even though neither she nor NBC has commented on her absence. During Kotb’s absence, Jones, Daly, 49, Willie Geist from “Sunday Today,” Tom Llamas from “World News Tonight,” and Craig Melvin from “3rd Hour of Today” have filled in, along with Guthrie for the early show and Jenna Bush Hager for the late show.
I find it annoying how ppl still show up to work sick. Hey well it’s not covid so who cares if you get sick. News flash: no one likes getting sick. If you’re sick. You’re sick. Stay home. I don’t care if it’s covid or just a cold. 🙄
— Ryan (@BaseballGuyRyan) February 28, 2023
Poor Al. I don’t blame him for moving off stage. After all he’s been through he doesn’t need to get Covid.
— Donna Kostulas (@DMKostulas) February 28, 2023
Get well soon.
— Prashanth Vemuganti (@prashanthpsi) February 28, 2023
Oh no! Sending prayers for sweet Savannah!
— Anjanette Sanchez (@AZAnjanette) March 1, 2023
Sending love and prayers for a speedy recovery
— susie (@susie08511703) March 1, 2023
